A Pakistani army commander said last week that Pakistan's Swat valley will soon be reopened to tourists. The army has largely cleared the former Taleban bastion in the valley, once a prime tourist destination 120 km (80 miles) northwest of Islamabad, in an offensive launched in late April. “The operation has been a complete success and we plan to open the valley to local tourists within a month,” Major-General Ashfaq Nadeem told reporters in the region's main town of Mingora. The Swat valley with its a lpine scenery, ancient ruins and trout fishing was for years a favorite tourist destination for both domestic and overseas visitors. Young Western backpackers used to flock there for a rest on the overland trail from Europe to India. The valley was also home to Pakistan's only ski resort, but militants burned down the hotel at the resort last year. Nadeem said he wanted to get the message out that the valley was safe. “We've asked the provincial government to arrange seminars on tourism and tell people that militancy has ended and tourists can come,” he said. The lush-green valley of Swat, with its rushing torrents, icy-cold lakes, fruit-laden orchards and flower-decked slopes is ideal for holidaymakers. It has a rich historical past, too. This is “Udayana” (The Garden) of the ancient epics; the land of enthralling beauty, where Alexander of Macedonia fought and won some of his major battles before crossing over to the delta of Indus River. This is the “valley of hanging chairs”, as described by the famous Chinese pilgrim-chroniclers, Huaen Tsang and Fa-Hian in the fifth and sixth centuries. The valley of Swat sprawls over 10,360 sq. km at an average elevation of 875 meters. The maximum temperature in July is 38 C and minimum (during January) is 1 C. The normal temperature is maximum 21 C and minimum 7 C. The tourist season is year-round. What to see in Swat? Saidu Sharif, Mingora & Murghzar Headquarters of Swat Valley, Saidu Sharif houses the Swat Museum that contains one of the finest collections of Gandhara art in the world. Marghazar, 16 km from Saidu Sharif, is famous for its “Sufed Mahal” the white marble palace of the former Wali (Ruler) of Swat. Kabal is 6 km from Saidu Sharif with its excellent golf course. Malam Jabba At 2,636 m above sea level, Malam Jabba Ski Resort stands on top of a mountain of the Hindukush range, north east of Saidu Sharif. It is 314 km from Islamabad and 51 km from Saidu Sharif. How to get there? Swat is linked by road and by air with Islamabad/Rawalpindi and Peshawar. There is regular bus and van service between Rawalpindi and Mingora. A seasonal tourist coach service for Saidu Sharif and Kalam is run by PTDC from June 1 to August 30 every year. For bookings and further information, please contact PTDC offices at Rawalpindi or Saidu Sharif. Where to stay? There are moderately priced hotels, motels and rest houses in Swat at Saidu Sharif, Mingora, Marghzar, Madyan, Bahrain, Kalam and Ushu. PTDC also has its Motels at Saidu Sharif, Miandam, Malam Jabba and Kalam. What to buy? Local handicrafts include embroidered linen, hand-woven rugs and shawls, silverware, tribal jewelry and carved wood work.
